Did poorly on neuropsych tests (working memory & processing speed)

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Marc Stanford

Filing Flight Plan
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Bakon Plane
Hello my name is Marc and I am currently a student at Western Michigan University, College of Aviation majoring in Aviation Flight Science.

I have sadly hit a major roadblock in my career which will take some time to overcome, I now have to change my major and leave COA while I sort through this issue. About last year the FAA found out that I had gotten treatment for depression and anxiety and they made me take the full battery of neuropsychological testing from a HIMS neuropsychologist.

I didn't do well on them, ended up having to take the supplementary battery. The doctor told me I did well on the test generally but the tests also revealed I have significant deficits in working memory and processing speed.

I was just wondering if these 2 things can be overcome or at least strengthened so the FAA will give me a 1st class medical (WMU requires this). I have done some research and there is training for working memory and processing speed.

Tell me what you guys think, I will post more details if required. I have talked to Dr.Chien but my parents want me to wait at least 2-3 years to re-apply to the FAA for my medical ONCE I have demonstrated through therapy and psych checkups that I have overcome these issues or strengthened them.

Can you re-apply for the 1st class medical after denial? will the FAA make me re-take the neuropsych tests again to prove that I have gotten better?
 
I'll echo Skydog. Nearly every else here is just going to guess and confuse you. Dr. Chien is the one who will give you the truthful story and aid you in developing a path toward success.
 
You did not state the response from the FAA to your extended testing. You mentioned a HIMS AME so i assume you are proceeding with that protocol. Submit (via your HIMS AME - I am sure he knows what to do) your entire completed package. They may accept it. You will receive guidance from the FAA. There are psychologists that specialize in cog rehab. You can reapply if you flunk the 1st pass. I assume you want to fly as part of your degree pursuit. If you are older than 18 you could pursue on your own, but I suspect you want to honor you parents ... and they have the $$$. Good luck. I have had pilots that needed cog rheab ... got it and subsequently passed!
 
Whether cog retraining would be of benefit depends on the pattern of cog. weakness, and if you are who I think you are, it wasn’t obviously so. It is as much a commitment of resources as is 8 credit hours, and at a minimum, 2 months.

Since a heckuvalot of brain changes to processing are going to “burn in” in your next three years, I think the folks are thinking “B.A.” first and then retry. That is a “max wise” use of limited resources, particularly if you have a sib they also are struggling to fund.

We know what the FAA will say...the HIMS neurocog specialist was unable to recommend SI and so it’s unwise to commit to the HIMS psychiatry evaluation. If the psychological aspects are not passable.....what’s the point? Besides 3 years Will help “unwind” the depression/anxiety side which does affect cognition.....so hang in there and keep the gunpowder dry.
 
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as he is a student at Western Michigan University, College of Aviation majoring in Aviation Flight Science, i would be aggressive, but without parents participation, this appears to be a moot point!
 
IIRC this poster is a HS senior with plans at WMU, a fine liberal arts institution with multiple opportunities....but not there yet.....soon.
 
lbfjrmd said:
You did not state the response from the FAA to your extended testing. You mentioned a HIMS AME so i assume you are proceeding with that protocol. Submit (via your HIMS AME - I am sure he knows what to do) your entire completed package. They may accept it. You will receive guidance from the FAA. There are psychologists that specialize in cog rehab. You can reapply if you flunk the 1st pass. I assume you want to fly as part of your degree pursuit. If you are older than 18 you could pursue on your own, but I suspect you want to honor you parents ... and they have the $$$. Good luck. I have had pilots that needed cog rheab ... got it and subsequently passed!
Click to expand...

Yes does the cog rehab work?
 
cog rehab works ... sometimes retaking works as you learn to take the test. Expensive though. There are online apps that claim to be cognitive exercises. There are psychologist to offer 'cog rehab'. I have a whopping total of 1 airman that went this route and passed at 2nd go!
 
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